Recfishwest Says New Fishing Rules Prove Successful

Recovery of Key Demersal Species on Track Heading Into Next Closed Season

Recfishwest says its alternative management package for demersal scalefish species introduced last year has proved successful, with the target of a 50 per cent reduction in catch being achieved.

Recfishwest Acting Executive Director Kane Moyle said the management strategy devised by the recreational fishing sector to reduce the recreational take of west coast demersal scalefish (pink snapper, baldchin groper and dhufish) by 50 per cent, without the use of a high licence fee or four month closure, has worked extremely well.

Recfishwest consulted with key recreational fishing stakeholders, including, boating and tackle industries through a number of industry summit meetings and worked with the State Government to best meet the target.

"We are thrilled that the government implemented the package that the recreational sector had assured would meet the 50 per cent reduction," Mr Moyle said.

"The Minister for Fisheries showed great confidence in the recreational fishing sector and supported the industry view.

"Recreational fishers deserve praise for the way they have embraced these new management arrangements.

"Recfishwest worked hard with its members to put a proposal to government for a reasonable boat fishing licence fee of $30 per individual fishing from a registered boat.

"Recfishwest recognises the importance of a licence as a valuable research census tool and an additional revenue source. These funds will be applied to recreational fishing priorities such as; habitat and stock enhancement, recreational tagging and logbooks and education."

"Recfishwest also strongly advocated for the carriage of a release weight to be compulsory for anyone who lands a west coast demersal species.

"Research has proven that the release weight dramatically improves survival of dhufish.

The closed season for high risk west coast demersal scalefish is from October 15 until December 15 and Mr Moyle urged recreational fishers to again do the right thing and abide by the new rules.

Kane Moyle will be available to interviews at 10.45am Friday October 8 at Watermans Bay Marine Centre, West Coast Drive (Opposite Elvire Street, Watermans Bay).